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Plasmepsin II

Molecular classification: Enzyme, Aspartic Protease

Overview

Plasmepsin II is an aspartic protease enzyme found in the malaria parasite *Plasmodium falciparum*. It plays a critical role in the degradation of host hemoglobin within the parasite's food vacuole, providing essential amino acids for parasite growth and development. It is a validated drug target for antimalarial drug development.

Other names: Aspartic hemoglobinase IIPFAPD

Mechanism of action

Inhibition of Plasmepsin II activity, blocking hemoglobin degradation in the parasite food vacuole.

Biological functions

Hemoglobin degradationNutrient acquisition

Disease associations

InfectionMalaria

Safety considerations

Potential for off-target effects, although sequence similarity to human homologs is low.Development of resistance

Interacting drugs

Hydroxyethylamine-based inhibitors (e.g., NU655)

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